Wednesday, February 11, 2009

For the second time in less than a year, quarterback Brett Favre has announced his retirement.

There was not much fanfare involved this time.

Favre simply sent an e-mail to his preferred media outlet, ESPN.com, that he had instructed his agent to inform the New York Jets that he was retiring. The Jets later confirmed that they had been apprised of his decision and released statements from owner Woody Johnson and general manager Mike Tannenbaum.

According to ESPN.com, Favre said he would not conduct a farewell news conference similar to the one he had March 6 of last year.

"I'm an emotional guy, and I'm sure people are tired of seeing me get emotional," Favre said. "People would probably say, 'Oh, here he goes again.' I think it would just be better for me to just thank the Jets, and I sincerely mean that. It was well worth what I invested. But I'm going to just quietly step away. . . "

Favre made those comments a week after the season ended. In retrospect, it was apparent then that he planned to retire, although the Jets asked him to take his time.